Innovative transdermal doxorubicin patches prepared using greenly synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles for breast cancer treatment

Abstract

An innovative strategy was formulated to overcome the challenges in delivering doxorubicin (DOX) for breast cancer treatment. Transdermal patches were prepared using carbopol 971 (CP) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) loaded with starch-coated iron oxide nanoparticles conjugated to DOX (DOX@St-IONPs). The patches’ physicochemical properties, in vitro drug diffusion, alongside the physical properties of DOX@St-IONPs, and their impact on breast cancer cell lines’ viability were examined. The M1 patch, with a 1:1 CP:PVA ratio and DOX@St-IONPs, showed unique properties, indicating effective delivery. It maintained consistent thickness, weight, and 97% DOX loading. Demonstrated flexibility and acceptable surface pH. M1 displayed fivefold increased drug penetration compared to free DOX patches (flux of 14.85 µg/cm2/h and permeability of 0.95 cm/h), with higher cytotoxicity against triple-negative breast cancer. These results propose promising non-invasive DOX delivery through the developed patches.